Pouch forming equipment and forming method

Abstract

The present invention is a pouch forming equipment including: a transfer device that transfers a pouch film; a forming device that applies pressure to an upper surface of the pouch film transferred by the transfer device to form a receiving portion for receiving an electrode assembly; and an inspection device that calculates a depth value of the receiving portion formed in the pouch film and compares the calculated depth value with a set input value to inspect for defects. The inspection device includes a distance measuring member that is provided at a reference point set on an upper portion of the pouch film and measures a first measurement value that is a distance from the reference point to the pouch film connected to an upper end of the receiving portion and a second measurement value that is a distance from the reference point to a bottom surface of the receiving portion, and an inspection member that calculates a depth value of the receiving portion by subtracting the first measurement value from the second measurement value measured by the distance measuring member, and determines whether the calculated depth value is normal if it is within a set input value and determines whether the calculated depth value is defective if it is outside the input value.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0173290 dated December 6, 2021, and all contents disclosed in the documents of that Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a pouch forming apparatus and a method for forming a receiving portion for receiving an electrode assembly in a pouch film and accurately measuring and inspecting the depth of the receiving portion formed in the pouch film. [Background technology]

[0003] In general, a secondary battery is a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged. Such secondary batteries are widely used in the field of advanced electronic devices such as phones, notebook computers, and camcorders.

[0004] The secondary battery may be classified into various types according to the structure of the electrode assembly, for example, a stack type structure, a wound type (jelly roll type) structure, and a stack / folding type structure.

[0005] The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and a pouch that houses the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly has a structure in which electrodes and separators are alternately stacked.

[0006] Meanwhile, the method for manufacturing the pouch includes a supplying process of continuously supplying a pouch film, a forming process of continuously forming receiving portions for accommodating electrode assemblies in the supplied pouch film, and a cutting process of manufacturing a final product pouch by cutting between the receiving portions formed in the pouch film.

[0007] Here, the pouch manufacturing method further includes an inspection process for measuring the depth of the containing portion formed in the pouch film to inspect for defects after the cutting process is completed, and in the inspection process, an operator inspects the depth of the containing portion formed in the pouch film using a ruler or calipers.

[0008] However, the inspection process has problems in that it takes a lot of work time, in particular, it is difficult to obtain accurate inspection results due to measurement errors caused by different operators, and the inspection must be carried out after the molding process is completed, which causes problems in that the continuity of the work is poor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the pouch forming equipment and forming method of the present invention include an inspection step for inspecting the depth of the storage part formed in the pouch film between the pouch film forming step and the pouch film cutting step, and by using a displacement sensor in the inspection step, the depth of the storage part formed in the pouch film can be accurately measured and inspected, which can significantly shorten the work time and, in particular, improve the continuity of the work. Also, since all the storage parts formed in the pouch film can be inspected, an object of the present invention is to increase the accuracy of the inspection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the pouch forming equipment of the present invention includes a transfer device that transfers a pouch film; a forming device that pressurizes an upper surface of the pouch film transferred by the transfer device to form a receiving portion for receiving an electrode assembly; and an inspection device that calculates a depth value of the receiving portion formed in the pouch film and compares the calculated depth value with a set input value to inspect for defects, wherein the inspection device may include a distance measuring member that is provided at a reference point set on an upper portion of the pouch film and measures a first measurement value that is a distance from the reference point to the pouch film connected to an upper end of the receiving portion and a second measurement value that is a distance from the reference point to a bottom surface of the receiving portion, and an inspection member that calculates a depth value of the receiving portion by subtracting the first measurement value from the second measurement value measured by the distance measuring member, and determines whether the calculated depth value is normal if it is within a set input value and determines whether the calculated depth value is defective if it is outside the input value.

[0011] The distance measuring member may be comprised of a displacement sensor.

[0012] The distance measuring member can measure the distance from a reference point to the pouch film connected to the upper end of the containing portion multiple times within a set range and calculate a first measurement value by averaging the measured distance values.

[0013] The distance measuring member can measure the distance from a reference point to the bottom surface of the container a plurality of times within a set range, and calculate a second measurement value by averaging the measured distance values.

[0014] The setting range can be set to 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0015] The inspection device may further include a width adjustment member that adjusts a position of the distance measuring member by moving the distance measuring member in a width direction of the pouch film perpendicular to a transport direction of the pouch film.

[0016] The inspection device may further include a height adjustment member that moves the width adjustment member toward the pouch film and adjusts a height of the distance measurement member based on the pouch film.

[0017] Meanwhile, a method for forming a pouch according to the present invention includes a transporting step of transporting a pouch film; a forming step of pressurizing an upper surface of the transported pouch film to form a receiving portion for receiving an electrode assembly; and an inspection step of calculating a depth value of the receiving portion formed in the pouch film and comparing the calculated depth value with a set input value to inspect for defects, wherein the inspection step includes a measurement step of measuring a first measurement value, which is a distance from a reference point to the pouch film connected to an upper end of the receiving portion, and a second measurement value, which is a distance from the reference point to a bottom surface of the receiving portion, using a distance measuring member provided on an upper portion of the pouch film; and an inspection step of calculating a depth value of the receiving portion by subtracting the first measurement value from the second measurement value measured in the measurement step, and determining that the calculated depth value is normal if it is within a set input value and determining that the calculated depth value is defective if it is outside the input value.

[0018] In the measuring step, the distance measuring member may be composed of a displacement sensor.

[0019] In the measurement process, the distance measuring member is used to measure the distance from a reference point to the pouch film connected to the upper end of the storage section multiple times within a set range, and the first measurement value can be calculated by averaging the measured distance values.

[0020] In the measurement process, the distance from a reference point to the bottom surface of the storage section can be measured multiple times within a set range using the distance measuring member, and the second measurement value can be calculated by averaging the measured distance values.

[0021] The setting range can be set to 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0022] The measuring step may further include a step of adjusting a position of the distance measuring member by moving the distance measuring member in a full width direction of the pouch film perpendicular to a transport direction of the pouch film.

[0023] The measuring step may further include a step of moving the distance measuring member toward the pouch film and adjusting a height of the distance measuring member based on the pouch film.

[0024] The method may further include, after the inspection step is completed, a cutting step of manufacturing the pouch by cutting between the containing portions of the pouch film, and a removal step of discharging and removing the pouch having the containing portion determined to be defective in the inspection step from among the pouches. Effect of the Invention

[0025] The molding equipment of the present invention includes a displacement sensor, so that the depth of the storage portion formed in the pouch film can be accurately measured and inspected, and thus the operation time can be significantly shortened and the continuity of the operation can be improved. In particular, the molding equipment of the present invention can inspect all the storage portions formed in the pouch film, so that accurate inspection results can be obtained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pouch according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a process diagram illustrating the pouch forming equipment according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a slit cutting device of the pouch forming equipment according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a forming device of the pouch forming equipment according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a distance measuring member of the pouch forming equipment according to the present invention. [Figure 6]4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a distance measuring state of the distance measuring member. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an overall width adjustment member of the pouch forming equipment according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a height adjustment member of the pouch forming equipment according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main cutting device of the pouch forming equipment according to the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart showing a method for forming a pouch according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily carry out the embodiment. However, the present invention can be realized in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, in order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and similar parts are designated by similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0028] [Pouch of the present invention] The pouch 10 of the present invention is for housing an electrode assembly (not shown), as shown in Fig. 1. That is, the pouch 10 includes a housing portion 11 for housing the electrode assembly, and a seal portion 12 for sealing the housing portion 11.

[0029] Meanwhile, the pouch 10 can be manufactured by forming a pouch film 20. That is, the upper surface of the pouch film 20 is formed with a receiving portion 11 consisting of a pair of receiving grooves for receiving an electrode assembly, and the pouch film 20 is folded in half so that the pair of receiving grooves correspond to each other, thereby manufacturing the pouch 10 capable of receiving an electrode assembly.

[0030] The pouch 10 having such a structure can be manufactured by the pouch forming equipment according to the present invention. In particular, the pouch forming equipment according to the present invention can accurately inspect the presence or absence of defects in the receiving portions 11 formed in the pouch film 20 during the process of manufacturing the pouch. This can significantly reduce the operation time, improve the continuity of the operation, and since all the receiving portions 11 formed in the pouch film 20 can be inspected, accurate inspection results can be obtained.

[0031] [Pouch forming equipment according to the present invention] As an example, the pouch forming equipment according to the present invention includes a transfer device 100, a slit cutting device 200, a forming device 300, an inspection device 400, a main cutting device 500, and a removal device 600, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0032] Transfer device 2, the transfer device 100 is for transferring a long sheet-like pouch film 20 through the slit cutting device 200, the forming device 300, and the inspection device 400 to the main cutting device 500. That is, the transfer device 100 may be composed of a conveyor belt on which the pouch film 20 is placed and which transfers the pouch film 20 to the slit cutting device 200.

[0033] Slit cutting device As shown in Fig. 3, the slit cutting device 200 is for cutting a part between the locations of the receiving parts to be formed in the pouch in order to improve efficiency and cutting ability when cutting the pouch film. 3 The pouch film 20 includes a rotary blade 210 for cutting a portion of the pouch film 20 in the width direction.

[0034] Molding equipment 4, the forming device 300 is for forming a receiving portion for receiving an electrode assembly by applying pressure to the upper surface of the transferred pouch film 20. That is, the forming device 300 includes a table 310 on which the pouch film 20 is placed, and a punch 320 provided on the upper portion of the table 310 for applying pressure to the upper surface of the pouch film 20 to form the receiving portion 11 for the electrode assembly.

[0035] Meanwhile, the pouch film 20 in which the storage portion 11 is formed by the molding device 300 may have a change in depth of the storage portion 11 due to a restoring force, and it is necessary to inspect whether a change in depth of the storage portion 11 formed in the pouch film 20 has occurred. At this time, an inspection device 400 is used.

[0036] Inspection Equipment 5 and 6, the inspection device 400 is for inspecting the depth of the receiving portion 11 formed in the pouch film 20 to inspect whether there is a defect. That is, the inspection device 400 calculates the depth value of the receiving portion 11 formed in the pouch film 20, and compares the calculated depth value with a set input value to inspect whether there is a defect.

[0037] As an example, the inspection device 400 includes a distance measurement member 410 and an inspection member 420 .

[0038] The distance measuring member 410 is provided at a reference point O set on the upper part of the pouch film 20, and measures a first measurement value α, which is the distance from the reference point to the pouch film 20 connected to the upper end of the storage section 11, and a second measurement value β, which is the distance from the reference point O to the bottom surface of the storage section 11.

[0039] The inspection member 420 calculates a depth value γ of the accommodating portion 11 by subtracting the first measurement value α from the second measurement value β measured by the distance measuring member 410, and determines that the calculated depth value is normal if it is within a set input value range, and determines that it is defective if it is outside the range.

[0040] On the other hand, the calculation formula for the depth value γ is (β)-(α)=(γ).

[0041] Meanwhile, the depth value γ of the receiving portion 11 and the set input value may vary depending on the size and thickness of the electrode assembly to be received in the pouch film 20 .

[0042] Here, the distance measuring member 410 may be composed of a displacement sensor, and the first measurement value α and the second measurement value β can be accurately measured by the displacement sensor. Meanwhile, the displacement sensor is a sensor used to measure the linear distance or linear position of an object, and examples of such a displacement sensor include a laser displacement sensor.

[0043] Meanwhile, the distance measuring member 410 measures the linear distance from a reference point to the pouch film 20 connected to the upper end of the receiving portion 11, and measures the linear distance multiple times within a set range A defined in the pouch film 20, and calculates a first measurement value by averaging the measured distance values. For example, the distance measuring member 410 can measure the linear distance from a reference point to the set range A defined in the pouch film 20 four or more times, and calculate the first measurement value by averaging the remaining distance values ​​excluding the maximum and minimum values ​​of the measured distance values.

[0044] Meanwhile, the distance measuring member 410 measures the linear distance from a reference point to the bottom surface of the accommodating section 11, and calculates the second measurement value by measuring multiple times within a set range defined on the bottom surface of the accommodating section 11 and averaging the measured distance values. For example, the distance measuring member 410 can measure the linear distance from a reference point to the bottom surface of the accommodating section 11 of the pouch film 20 four or more times and calculate the second measurement value by averaging the remaining distance values ​​excluding the maximum and minimum values ​​of the measured distance values.

[0045] Meanwhile, the set range A can be set to 1 mm to 5 mm, and preferably 2 to 3 mm. If the set range A is 1 mm or less, distance values ​​at the same position may be measured, and if the set range A is 5 mm or more, a large force is required to move the distance measuring member 410, which may result in poor facility efficiency.

[0046] Therefore, the inspection device 400 can accurately measure the depth of the containing portion 11 formed in the pouch film 20 during the formation process of the pouch film 20 and accurately inspect for the presence or absence of defects, thereby improving the efficiency and continuity of the work.

[0047] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 7, the inspection device 400 may further include a width adjustment member 430 that moves the distance measuring member 410 in the width direction of the pouch film 20 (the left-right direction of the pouch film 20 in FIG. 5) perpendicular to the transport direction of the pouch film 20, and adjusts the position of the distance measuring member 410.

[0048] That is, the full-width adjustment member 430 is for adjusting the position of the distance measuring member 410 in the full-width direction of the pouch film 20. The full-width adjustment member 430 may be configured as a guide rod provided in the full-width direction of the pouch film 20 and to which the distance measuring member 410 is movably coupled. That is, when the distance measuring member 410 is moved in the length direction of the guide rod, the distance measuring member 410 can be moved in the full-width direction of the pouch film 20 and its position can be adjusted.

[0049] 8, the inspection device 400 may further include a height adjustment member 440 that moves the full width adjustment member 430 toward the pouch film 20 and adjusts the height of the distance measuring member 410 fixed to the full width adjustment member 430 based on the pouch film 20. That is, the height adjustment member 440 may be composed of a cylinder that moves the full width adjustment member 430 down toward the pouch film 20. In this way, the distance measuring member 410 can be accurately aligned with a set reference point, and as a result, accurate first and second measurement values ​​can be obtained.

[0050] Main cutting device 9, the main cutting device 500 manufactures pouches by cutting the pouch film 20 between the receiving portions 11 that have passed through the inspection device 400. At this time, the cutting device cuts the pouch film 20 in the full width direction based on the cutting surface cut into the pouch film 20 by the slit cutting device 200, thereby improving the accuracy of cutting.

[0051] Meanwhile, the pouch forming equipment according to the present invention may further include a removal device 600 which removes from the process line, among the pouches cut by the main cutting device 500, pouches having a storage section 11 determined to be defective by the inspection device 400.

[0052] removal device When a pouch having a receiving portion 11 determined to be defective by the inspection device 400 is cut, the removal device 600 can suck the pouch and remove it from the process line, thereby preventing the defective pouch from being transferred to the process line for manufacturing secondary batteries.

[0053] Therefore, the pouch forming equipment of the present invention can inspect the containing section 11 formed in the pouch film 20 for defects during the process of manufacturing the pouch, thereby shortening the work time and improving the continuity of the work.

[0054] Hereinafter, a method for forming a pouch using the pouch forming equipment according to the present invention will be described.

[0055] [Method of forming a pouch according to the present invention] The pouch forming method according to the present invention can include a transferring step, a slit cutting step, a forming step, an inspection step, a main cutting step, and a removing step, as shown in FIG.

[0056] In the transfer step, referring to FIG. 2, a conveyor belt, which is a transfer device 100, is used to transfer the long sheet-like pouch film 20 to the forming step.

[0057] In the slit cutting step, referring to FIG. 3, a slit cutting device 200 is used to cut a portion between the locations of the receiving portions to be formed in the pouch.

[0058] In the forming step, the forming device 300 applies pressure to the upper surface of the pouch film 20 to form the receiving portion 11 for receiving the electrode assembly. At this time, the forming device 300 continuously forms the receiving portions 11 at regular intervals on the upper surface of the transferred pouch film 20. That is, when the pouch film 20 is placed on the table 310, the forming device 300 applies pressure to the upper surface of the pouch film 20 while the punch 320 is lowered to form the receiving portion 11 for receiving the electrode assembly.

[0059] In the inspection step, the depth value of the receiving portion 11 formed in the pouch film 20 is calculated, and the calculated depth value is compared with a set input value to inspect for defects. That is, the inspection step includes a measurement process and an inspection process, and in this case, an inspection device 400 composed of a distance measurement member 410 and an inspection member 420 is used.

[0060] In the measurement process, a distance measuring member 410 provided on the upper part of the pouch film 20 is used to measure a first distance value, which is the straight-line distance at a right angle from a reference point to the pouch film 20 connected to the upper end of the storage section 11, and a second distance value, which is the straight-line distance at a right angle from the reference point to the bottom surface of the storage section 11.

[0061] Here, in the measurement process, a distance measuring member 410 is used to measure the distance from a reference point to the pouch film 20 connected to the upper end of the storage section 11 multiple times within a set range A, and the first measurement value can be calculated by averaging the measured distance values.

[0062] In addition, in the measurement process, the distance measuring member 410 is used to measure the distance from a reference point to the bottom surface of the storage section 11 multiple times within a set range, and the second measurement value can be calculated by averaging the measured distance values.

[0063] On the other hand, the setting range A can be set to 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0064] Meanwhile, the measuring process may further include a process of adjusting the position by moving the distance measuring member 410 in the overall width direction of the pouch film 20 perpendicular to the transport direction of the pouch film 20. As a result, the position of the distance measuring member 410 in the overall width direction of the pouch can be adjusted to improve the measurement accuracy. Also, in the measuring process, the distance measuring member 410 can be lowered toward the pouch film 20 to adjust the height of the distance measuring member 410 based on the pouch film 20. As a result, the height of the distance measuring member 410 can be adjusted to match the reference point.

[0065] In the inspection process, an inspection member 420 is used to calculate the depth value of the accommodating section 11 by subtracting the first measurement value from the second measurement value measured in the measurement process, and if the calculated depth value is within a set input value range, it is determined to be normal, and if it is outside the range, it is determined to be defective.

[0066] Meanwhile, the distance measuring member 410 may be composed of a displacement sensor, so that the first and second measurement values ​​can be accurately measured.

[0067] In the main cutting step, the pouch film 20 between the storage sections 11 that have passed the inspection process is cut using the main cutting device 500 to manufacture the pouch 10. At this time, the pouch film 20 is cut based on the cut portion of the pouch film 20 formed in the slit cutting step.

[0068] In the removing step, a pouch having a housing portion 11 determined to be defective among the pouches cut in the main cutting step is sucked and removed from the process line by using a removing device 600. This makes it possible to prevent the defective pouch from being transported to an assembly line for assembling secondary batteries.

[0069] The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, rather than the above detailed description, and various embodiments are possible within the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 10 pouches 20 Pouch Film 11 Storage unit 12 Seal part 100 Transfer device 200 Slit cutting device 210 Rotary Blade 300 Molding equipment 310 units 320 Punch 400 Inspection Equipment 410 Distance measuring components 420 Inspection parts 430 Overall width adjustment member 440 Height adjustment member 500 Main cutting device 600 Removal device

Claims

1. A transfer device for transferring the pouch film; a forming device that applies pressure to an upper surface of the pouch film transferred by the transferring device to form a receiving portion for receiving an electrode assembly; and an inspection device that calculates a depth value of the receiving portion formed in the pouch film and compares the calculated depth value with a set input value to inspect for defects, The inspection device includes: a distance measuring member provided at a reference point set on the upper portion of the pouch film, for measuring a first measurement value which is a distance from the reference point to the pouch film connected to the upper end of the storage section, and a second measurement value which is a distance from the reference point to a bottom surface of the storage section; an inspection member that calculates a depth value of the receiving portion by subtracting a first measurement value from a second measurement value measured by the distance measuring member, and determines that the calculated depth value is normal if it is within a set input value, and determines that the calculated depth value is defective if it is outside the input value; a full-width adjustment member that adjusts the position of the distance measurement member by moving the distance measurement member in a full-width direction of the pouch film perpendicular to a transport direction of the pouch film; a height adjustment member that moves the width adjustment member toward the pouch film and adjusts the height of the distance measurement member based on the pouch film; Pouch forming equipment.

2. The pouch forming equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the distance measuring member is a displacement sensor.

3. The pouch forming equipment according to claim 1, wherein the distance measuring member measures the distance from a reference point to the pouch film connected to the upper end of the containing section multiple times within a set range and calculates a first measurement value by averaging the measured distance values.

4. The pouch forming equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the distance measuring member measures the distance from a reference point to a bottom surface of the containing portion multiple times within a set range, and calculates the second measurement value by averaging the measured distance values.

5. The pouch forming equipment according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the set range is set to 1 mm to 5 mm.

6. A transfer step of transferring the pouch film; a forming step of pressing an upper surface of the transferred pouch film to form a receiving portion for receiving an electrode assembly; and an inspection step of calculating a depth value of the receiving portion formed in the pouch film and comparing the calculated depth value with a set input value to inspect for defects, The inspection step includes: a measuring step of measuring a first measurement value, which is a distance from a reference point to the pouch film connected to the upper end of the storage section, and a second measurement value, which is a distance from a reference point to a bottom surface of the storage section, using a distance measuring member provided on an upper portion of the pouch film; an inspection process for calculating a depth value of the receiving portion by subtracting a first measurement value from a second measurement value measured in the measurement process, and determining that the calculated depth value is normal if it is within a set input value, and determining that the calculated depth value is defective if it is outside the input value, The measuring step further includes a step of moving the distance measuring member toward the pouch film and adjusting the height of the distance measuring member based on the pouch film. How the pouch is formed.

7. The pouch forming method according to claim 6, wherein in the measuring step, the distance measuring member is composed of a displacement sensor.

8. The pouch molding method described in claim 6, wherein in the measurement process, the distance measuring member is used to measure the distance from a reference point to the pouch film connected to the upper end of the containing section multiple times within a set range, and the first measurement value is calculated by averaging the measured distance values.

9. 7. The pouch molding method according to claim 6, wherein in the measuring step, the distance from a reference point to a bottom surface of the containing section is measured multiple times within a set range using the distance measuring member, and the second measurement value is calculated by averaging the measured distance values.

10. The pouch molding method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the set range is set to 1 mm to 5 mm.

11. The pouch forming method according to claim 6 , wherein the measuring step further includes a step of adjusting a position of the distance measuring member by moving the distance measuring member in a full width direction of the pouch film perpendicular to a transport direction of the pouch film.

12. When the inspection step is completed, a cutting step of manufacturing the pouch by cutting between the containing portions formed in the pouch film; The pouch molding method according to claim 6, further comprising a removal step of discharging and removing the pouch in which the containing portion determined to be defective in the inspection step is formed among the pouches.

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